Formula DRIFT 2025: Long Beach Round 1 Kicks Off The Season In Style

Professional drift car driver and high performance entrepreneur Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis catches the middle of the first turn, Turn 9, found in the Formula DRIFT challenge track found through turns 9, 10, and the hairpin at 11, while practicing his moves in his company sponsored FEAL Suspension Nissan. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (20250

Formula DRIFT 2025: Long Beach Round 1 Kicks Off The Season In Style

The roar of engines and the scent of burning rubber will once again fill the air as Formula Drift returns to the Streets of Long Beach for Round 1 of the 2025 season on Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5. Entering its 24th year, Formula Drift continues to solidify its reputation as North America’s premier professional drifting championship, captivating audiences with its unique blend of precision, power, and flair. Judged on execution and style - much like ice dancing or gymnastics - this motorsport prioritizes skillful control over raw speed, delivering a spectacle often likened to the freestyle chaos of Monster Truck rallies, snowboarding, skateboarding, and motocross.

Formula DRIFT #GRIDLIFE Camera Car - Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

Held in conjunction with the 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Formula Drift has been a staple of the event for nearly half its storied history. As the first official drifting series in North America, it has grown into a global leader, drawing fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life. Professional drivers and teams will compete in eight championship rounds throughout 2025 (seven confirmed, one pending), showcasing their ability to push high-powered machines into controlled sideways slides at breakneck speeds through meticulously marked courses.

 

Formula DRIFT #GRIDLIFE Camera Car sets up next to the FEAL Suspension Nissan of Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

A High-Octane Start to the Season

The Long Beach opener promises two days of adrenaline-pumping action, with a packed schedule designed to thrill both onsite spectators and viewers tuning in via livestream. On Friday, April 4, the event kicks off with practice sessions from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, giving drivers a chance to fine-tune their runs on the challenging street circuit. The venue opens to the public at 10:00 AM, offering fans an up-close look at the cars and teams. An autograph signing session from noon to 1:00 PM provides a personal touch, while a warm-up from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM sets the stage for the main event. At 3:30 PM, the livestream begins at formulad.com/live, broadcasting the Seeding Bracket until 6:00 PM, where drivers battle to secure their positions for Saturday’s showdown.

Formula DRIFT #GRIDLIFE Camera Car captures video of a run being laid down through Turn 10 by the Papadakis Racing built Rain-X GR Toyota Corolla driver Ryan “Hampshaa” Tuerck. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

Saturday, April 5, ramps up the intensity. Warm-ups run from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, with the venue welcoming the public at 8:00 AM. The livestream resumes at 10:00 AM, covering the Main Event: Top 32 until 1:00 PM, followed by a halftime break. Fans can join the Track Walk Experience at 1:30 PM, offering a rare chance to explore the course. The Opening Ceremony at 2:30 PM signals the start of the Main Event: Top 16, streaming live until 6:00 PM. The day concludes with the Trophy Ceremony from 6:15 PM to 6:45 PM, crowning the weekend’s standout performers.

 

RTR Vehicles' Drift Team crew warms-up Ben Hobson's 2025 Pennzoil Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD at the 50th Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach Press Day. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

A Sport of Skill and Showmanship

Formula Drift’s appeal lies in its emphasis on artistry over outright speed. Drivers are scored on their ability to maintain precise lines, aggressive angles, and seamless transitions while sliding through the course, all under the watchful eyes of judges. This high-stakes ballet of horsepower and control has made it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, blending technical mastery with edge-of-your-seat excitement.

For those unable to attend in person, the livestream at formulad.com/live ensures no one misses a moment of the action. Additional details, including the full 2025 schedule, are available at formulad.com/schedule/2025/long-beach.

Long Beach: Where Legends Are Made

The Streets of Long Beach, with its tight corners and unforgiving barriers, remains an iconic venue for Formula Drift. As Round 1 unfolds, the 2025 season promises to deliver the high-skilled, high-energy competition that has defined the series for over two decades. Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead or a casual spectator, Formula Drift’s season opener is set to ignite Southern California with a display of motorsport mastery unlike any other.

... notes from The EDJE

EVENT UPDATE:

Fredric Aasbo wins Round 1.

Streets of Long Beach announced as venue for Final Round of 2025 PRO Championship season.

Larry Chen inducted into Formula DRIFT Hall of Fame.





TAGS: Formula Drift, #formulad, 50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, #AGPLB, Rites-Of-Spring, Fredric Aasbo, Rockstar, KENDRA, The EDJE